I help shower my 91 year old aunt only once a week along with her caregiver. It is starting to kill my back between bending, reaching and twisting. Aunt has advanced dementia but is able to get on her shower bench. She cannot help other than standing and sitting. I sit on the side of the bath tub in front facing her with a handheld shower head for a lot of the washing. Standing is hard for me because she is so short. Any ideas would be appreciated. I stretch before and after and do some basic yoga. Maybe her showers are over? She gets sponge baths on the other days. She enjoys the showers so much and I hate to stop.
Home care staff do the shower now. They may have back pain too 😕 but maybe have more tricks than me.
Retire yourself from showers.
If one carer cannot manage the transfer alone, can you help with that part? If not, two carers will be required shower days. Sponge at sink the other days.
DON'T feel guilty! Your back is important!
Mom sat in her chair and the aide bathed her. Mom has Parkinson’s so she has mobility issues and couldn’t do for herself.
I don’t see why the aide needs your help. What’s the point of having an aide if you are still doing the work? Especially with a bad back! You may end up hurting yourself.
Bless you for helping your aunt.
If your aunt is safe standing in a shower get a used walker (I used to get them at resale shops for under $5.00) she can hold onto the walker while in the shower and that would give her support.
I would not do this in a tub as the floor of a tub is curved and the walker may slide more easily.
If the caregiver is from an agency ask the agency to send 2 people when your aunt needs a shower. It will be safer for the caregiver, safer for you and safer for your aunt.
Another option is to forego the shower and do a bed bath. They can be done well. They can be done without getting the entire bed wet. It might be more relaxing for your aunt and she may not struggle thus making it safer for everyone (not to mention more relaxing)